USAID Video: Climate Adaptation in Nepal's Himalayas

USAID’s mission is to promote human development and stable, free and prosperous societies around the world. But as global climate change advances, it is critical that we use climate-smart planning and clean technologies to promote global development that is sustainable.

Many places are already experiencing climate change impacts, like higher temperatures, more frequent and intense droughts and storms, and less predictable rains and harvests. At the same time, global growth driven by carbon-based energy is releasing more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

USAID is committed to promoting climate-smart planning and clean energy development to safeguard today’s gains in global prosperity and security and to ensure tomorrow’s growth is sustainable.

Our Climate Programs

USAID provides climate support to over 50 developing countries, from Bangladesh to Zambia. Our climate programs focus on three priority pillars of activity—Adaptation, Clean Energy and Sustainable Landscapes—and also the Integration of good climate change practice into all USAID programs, from health and disaster preparedness to agriculture and food security.

Our Climate Strategy

The U.S. Climate Action Plan

President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, unveiled in June 2013, will cut U.S. carbon pollution, prepare America for climate change impacts, and galvanize global efforts to address climate change. The President’s Plan will make sure all nations are acting together to ensure a cleaner, more stable environment for future generations. See the Full Report.

Global Action

As the primary implementer of U.S. bilateral and regional development aid, USAID plays a lead role in global climate action. We work directly with developing countries around the world to ensure they have the technology, knowledge and assistance they need to assess, plan and take action on climate change.

The Global Climate Change Initiative is the U.S. commitment to work with global partners on low-carbon growth, sustainable and resilient societies, and reducing emissions from deforestation.

The Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 is a U.S. Government initiative that partners with other governments, NGOs and the Consumer Goods Forum—a network of more than 400 companies with over $3 trillion in annual sales—to reduce tropical deforestation from key commodity products including palm oil, soy, beef, and paper and pulp.